Anti-nuke groups to picket Central government offices

The People’s Federation against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP), an umbrella organisation of various groups and parties, on Friday said it would picket the entrances to Central government offices here on August 5, demanding closure of the nuclear plant and to highlight a slew of demands.

Talking to reporters, MDMK general secretary Vaiko demanded appointment of an independent committee to review accusations that substandard parts and components had been used in the plant.

He also wanted the government to withdraw cases filed against protestors who had participated in the campaign against the project.

Mr. Vaiko, accompanied by Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) MLA M.H. Jawahirullah, said the discharge of 6.3 billion litres of waste water from the Unit-I on full generation into the sea would expose fisherfolk to grave danger and pose a threat to their livelihood.

While Japan had decided to shut down some nuclear power plants, it is inexplicable that the Indian Prime Minister had thought it fit to enter into agreements on nuclear power plants with the Japanese government.

“The commissioning of the nuclear power plant is against the sentiments of people,” he added.